Water Resources Option

Water resources research involves the use of science and policy tools to identify contaminants and make assessments of water quality. Students will acquire laboratory skills to detect water contaminants and track their movements and transformations while learning related policy and management concerns. Research areas could include microbial contaminants, the impact of urbanization on water quality, and marine and estuarine water quality and its impact on fisheries and shellfish industries. Option course work covers water sciences and hydrology, environmental policy and management. Students completing this option will be prepared for graduate school or for positions in environmental consulting, research, and natural resource management.

Option Code: 626

Upon successful completion of the program, students will meet the following learning outcomes:

• Retain and articulate the fundamental concepts of biosciences and bioresource sciences, and of the physical and mathematical sciences that support these fields.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the scientific method by designing an experiment, collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data.
• Convey the meaning of research results in written and oral format, to both professionals and the general public.
• Master and discuss the important contemporary issues in the specific discipline of the BRR option and research project.
• Demonstrate professionalism, including critical thinking, a strong work ethic, and the ability to contribute to a team.